How Cities Lead the Fight Against Climate Change

It has been almost a year since a summer internship with The Climate Reality Project’s Canadian branch turned into a longer-term commitment for me. During this time, I have been in touch with a number of extremely inspiring Climate Reality Leaders. These volunteers, trained by former American Vice President Al Gore, are committed to giving free presentations about climate change in their respective communities and come from a variety of backgrounds: from teenagers to retirees, they all have a different reason for being involved in the climate movement.

But one single thing does unite them – the passionate enthusiasm to make our planet cleaner and safer for future generations. Seeing such a large and diverse group rally around this cause is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at The Climate Reality Project Canada. I had the chance to witness this incredible sense of unity when I joined more than 900 people for a Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in Denver, Colorado in early March.

Since first becoming involved in the climate movement, my awareness of the fundamental role of cities in addressing the challenge of climate change has grown. The training was an excellent occasion to refine my knowledge of how municipalities can get involved. As former Colorado governor Bill Ritter said during his keynote speech on the opening day of the program, cities and states have the keys to lead on climate, with or without the support of higher levels of government.

Colorado’s Commitment to Climate Action

Colorado, a large producer of fossil fuels, was an appropriate choice for an event on climate change leadership. The state has been at the forefront of climate action for several years now. In 2004, Colorado became the first U.S. state to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by popular vote and the state legislature has since increased the renewable energy requirements several times. It now aims to obtain 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Changing a city’s energy supply is a tall order. Not only does this shift offer logistical challenges, it requires a cultural change, a shift in our way of life based so heavily on fossil fuels. Even with strong popular support, municipalities often have trouble transitioning from long-term utility contracts. However, the transition can be justified by the enormous bill that climate change may cause for cities if strong action is delayed any further. The Carbon Disclosure Project report also outlines that many of the cities involved in the study considered climate action to be an economic opportunity, not an encumbrance.

The three-day training in Denver was barely enough to grasp the magnitude of the hard work put in by city leaders, organizations and individuals for the transition towards clean energy. Still, the atmosphere was electric with a sense of inspiration, positivity and purpose. As I take on my new role as a Climate Reality Leader, I can’t help but ask myself – will my city undertake this challenge?

Founded by Nobel Peace Prize Winner and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, The Climate Reality Project is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to mobilizing action on climate change. Follow the Canadian branch of the Climate Reality Project on Twitter: @Reality_Canada

Esther Perrin, Executive Administrative Assistant, NewCities

Esther joined NewCities as Executive Administrative Assistant in early 2017, working with the Chairman, the Executive Director and the General Manager. Passionate about international relations and the global challenge that is climate change, she has also worked with The Climate Reality Project Canada, where she continues to act as a communications consultant.